Vortex induced vibration suppression device and method

ABSTRACT

A vortex induced vibration suppressor and method is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body that is a flexible member of a polymeric (e.g., polyurethane) construction. A plurality of helical vanes on the body extend longitudinally along and helically about the body. Each vane has one or more openings extending transversely there through. A longitudinal slot enables the body to be spread apart for placing the body upon a riser, pipe or pipeline. Tensile members that encircle the body and pass through the vane openings enable the body to be secured to the pipe, pipeline or riser.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/292,894, filed Nov. 12, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,540 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/712,759, filed Nov. 14, 2000 (now abandoned), all hereby incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to vortex induced vibration suppression and more particularly to an improved apparatus for suppressing vortex induced vibrations in vertical risers of oil and gas well drilling platforms and production platforms. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to an improved vortex induced vibration suppression apparatus, also known as a strake, wherein the improved apparatus includes an elongated body of flexible polymeric material such as polyurethane, the body having a wall surrounding a continuous open-ended bore, a plurality of helical vanes provided on the body, (preferably integral therewith) that extend along the length of the body and a longitudinal slot that extends through the wall enabling the body to be separated such as during placement upon a pipe, riser or pipeline.

2. General Background of the Invention

Vortex induced vibration suppressors are devices that have been used commercially to prevent vortex induced vibration. It has been stated that risers such as those associated with TLP type platforms suffer from vortex induced vibration or “VIV”. Floatable and tension leg platform (TLP) risers suffer from vibration induced vortex caused by ocean currents, for example. VIV can be an acute problem in deep water drilling operations. As the current flows around an unsupported pipe such as a pipeline riser, it creates vortices on the leeward side of the pipe. Vortices produce minute pressure fluctuations that create vibrations on the leeward side of the pipe. When these vortices break away from the pipe, they set up vibrations which will dynamically excite the riser and cause the pipe to fail prematurely. Strong currents increase the amount of vortex induced vibration (VIV).

Presently, there are a number of commercially available vortex induced vibration suppressors. One such product is available from Mark Tool Company of Lafayette, La. Another commercially available vortex induced vibration suppressor is available from CRP Marine Products of England. Another commercially available vortex induced vibration suppressor or “strake” system is being commercialized by Dunlaw of Aberdine, Scotland. Another device that is commercially available and that suppresses vortex induced vibration is sold under the mark Uraduct® VIV.

One of the problems of placing a vortex induced vibration suppressor on an oilfield riser pipe such as the riser associated with a deep water oil and gas well drilling or production platform is the problem of installing or placing the strake. This problem can be solved by using an underwater diver or divers. However, such a procedure is dangerous and very costly. Some VIV devices have multiple parts that limit overall structural strength.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for solving the problem of vortex induced vibration by providing a suppression apparatus of improved construction that features an elongated body of flexible polymeric material (for example polyurethane), the body having a wall surrounding a continuous, open-ended bore.

A plurality of helical vanes are provided on the body, extending along the length thereof.

A longitudinal slot extends through the wall, enabling the body to be separated to afford access to the bore (such as during placement on a pipe or riser). In another embodiment, the apparatus can be cast in place on a pipe joint or cast as a one piece strake that is slipped over a pipe and then glued, eliminating the slot and bolted connection.

In the preferred embodiment, the entire elongated body and vanes are of a integrally formed, preferably cast or molded polymeric material (for example, polyurethane). This construction enables the entire elongated body to be flexed as portions of the body are separated apart at the slot.

In the preferred embodiment, the slot extends along one of the vanes, separating the vane into first and second vane portions, each having a surface that abuts a corresponding surface of the other vane portion upon assembly.

The slot is preferably a helically shaped slot that tracks the path of the vane.

A removable connection can hold the body together at the slot. In the preferred embodiment, this removable connection is in the nature of a bolted connection or connections that bolt first and second vane portions together.

This removable connection is preferably comprised of a plurality of regularly spaced apart, bolted connections.

In the preferred embodiment, the slot separates one of the vanes into first and second longitudinally extending vane sections, each having a flat mating surface (or offset for aiding alignment), wherein the flat mating surfaces are engaged, the bolted connections can be perfected to hold them together.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an improved vortex induced vibration suppression apparatus that features the elongated body and helical vanes with a longitudinal slot that extends through the wall at a vane for enabling the body to be separated to afford access to the bore.

In an alternate embodiment, a spacer is removably attachable to the body, the spacer including a rounded outer surface that enable the spacer and body to be rolled such as during handling upon the deck of a ship or barge. The spacer provides an elongated bore that is shaped to fit the body and its helical vanes.

The present invention provides an improved method of installing a riser having one or more vortex induced vibration suppression devices thereon. The method includes first making up the riser section on a pipeline lay barge that provides a stinger. The vortex induced vibration device or devices is attached to the pipeline on the lay barge. In this fashion, the riser and attached vortex induced vibration suppression devices can be lowered to the seabed by first passing the riser and attached vortex induced vibration suppression devices over the stinger part of the barge. With the present invention, the improved construction of the vortex induced vibration suppression device enables the apparatus to be lowered over a stinger of a lay barge to the ocean floor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken along lines 2—2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and showing part of the method of the present invention wherein the vortex induced vibration suppression apparatus is being separated at its slot for installation;

FIG. 4 is another end view illustrating the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and showing the optional method step of applying an adhesive to the inside wall surface thereof and is part of the method of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and illustrating one of the method steps of the present invention, namely the application of the vortex induced vibration suppression device to a riser;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and illustrating part of the method of the present invention, namely the application of fasteners such as bolted connections to the apparatus after placement upon a riser;

FIGS. 7A-7B are side views of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the device after placement upon a riser;

FIG. 8 is an elevation schematic view showing the method of the present invention, namely the step of lowering the riser and attached vortex induced vibration suppression devices from a pipeline lay barge to the ocean floor;

FIG. 9 is an elevation, schematic view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the method of the present invention, showing several vortex induced vibration suppression devices mounted to a riser and showing a riser and connected devices positioned next to an offshore oil and gas well drilling/production platform;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is an end view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a front, perspective view of a second and preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and showing the method of the present invention wherein the initial step is illustrated of wrapping the strake body around a pipeline section;

FIG. 14 is a schematic end view showing another of the steps of the method of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic end view showing another of the steps of the method of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a schematic, perspective view showing the second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention after attachment to a pipeline section and resting upon the rollers of a stinger on a pipeline laying vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-11 show the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, designated generally by the numeral 10.

Vortex induced vibration suppression device 10 includes body 11 having a central longitudinal open ended bore 12 and end portions 13, 14.

Body 11 is preferably a one piece, molded or cast flexible body that is preferably of a polymeric material such as polyurethane. A plurality of helical vanes 15, 16, 17 extend from the wall 30 of body 11 and are preferably integral therewith. A longitudinally extending slot can be optionally formed by mating surfaces 20, 21 of vane sections 18, 19 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. Otherwise, body 11 does not have a slot but is a one piece integral member that can be installed by slipping it over an end of a joint of pipe. It can also be case in place on a joint of pipe.

A hinge area 29 is provided generally opposite vane sections 18, 19 and the respective mating surfaces 20, 21. A user can spread apart the vane sections 18, 19 as shown by arrows 34 in FIG. 3 for enabling a technician 25 to apply an adhesive 23 using a desired tool or implement such as dispenser 24 to the inside surface 22 of body 11. During this procedure, a spreader bar 26 can be used to hold the vane sections 18, 19 apart as shown in FIGS. 3-5.

The vane section 18 provides a plurality of longitudinally extending, spaced apart openings 27. The openings 27 align with a corresponding plurality of longitudinally extending, spaced apart openings 28 through vane section 19. After an adhesive is applied to inside surface 22 of wall 30 of body 11, the body 11 can be placed upon a pipeline riser section 32 as indicated schematically by arrow 35 in FIG. 5. Arrow 36 in FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the removal of spreader bars 26 once the body 11 is placed upon riser section 32.

When properly assembled upon a pipeline riser section 32 as shown in FIG. 6, the wall 30 outer surface 31 provides a smooth contour that is substantially similar in curvature to the outside surface of the pipeline riser section 32.

The adhesive 23 is designed to form a good bond between body 11 and the outside surface 33 of pipeline riser section 32. A plurality of bolted connections 40 can be used to bolt vane sections 18, 19 together to further secure each body 11 to its pipeline riser section 32. In FIG. 6, each bolted connection 40 includes bolt 37, nut 38 and a plurality of washers 39 if desired.

The method the present invention is further illustrated in FIGS. 8-9 and 10-11. In FIG. 8, a pipeline lay barge 41 is shown having a deck 42 upon which is stacked a plurality of pipe joints 43. The pipeline lay barge 41 also includes a welding area 44 that enables a plurality of the pipe joints 43 to be welded together end-to-end as known in the art. A stinger 45 is also provided with lay barge 41. Such a lay barge 41 and stinger 45 are well known in the art.

According to the method of the present invention, the vortex induced vibration suppression devices 10 of the present invention are assembled to the welded pipeline riser 47 before the riser 47 is lowered to the seabed 50 via stinger 45. In FIG. 8, the arrow 46 schematically illustrates a riser 47 that is fitted with a plurality of vortex induced vibration suppression devices 10. The combination of pipeline riser 47 and its vortex induced vibration suppression devices 10 or “strakes” are lowered over the stinger 45 as indicated by arrow 46. To further schematically illustrate the method of the present invention, the surrounding ocean 49 is also shown with water surface 48 and seabed 50.

In FIG. 9, an offshore platform 53 is shown. It should be understood that platform 53 can be an offshore oil and gas well drilling and/or production platform. Such a platform 53 is typically supported with support 52 that can be a semisubmersible, TLP or jacket type foundation or any other marine platform support known in the art. In FIG. 9, the numeral 51 schematically indicates the entire marine structure that includes support 52 and platform 53.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, a plurality of spacers 54 are shown that are attachable to one of the bodies 11. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, three spacers 54 can be added to a single body 11 in order to transform it into a cylindrically shaped member that can be easily rolled for ease of transport and ease of installation. Each spacer 54 has end portions 55, 56. Each spacer has a concave surface 57 and a convex surface 58. The concave surfaces 57 are shaped to conform to the outside surface 31 of body 11 in between two adjacent vanes such as 15, 16 or 16, 17. Each spacer 54 provides side beveled edges 59, 60 that fit next to a vane 15, 16, 17 as shown in FIG. 10.

In FIG. 11, three spacers 54 are shown attached to a single body 11. A plurality of straps (not shown) can be used to encircle the combination of spacers 54 and body 11 to thereby secure the spacers 54 to the body 11 until they are to be removed. Typically, this removal can be accomplished just before the body 11 is to be transported to an end user or job site.

Optionally, the polymer (eg. polyurethane) for either embodiment has a copper nickel particulate dust contained therein. This mixture of polymer and copper nickel particulate dust enhances antifouling capability of the strake.

FIGS. 12-16 show a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, designated generally by the numeral 61 in FIGS. 12 and 16.

Vortex induced to vibration suppression device 61 includes a polymeric body 62 that can be of polyurethane for example. The body 62 has a bore 63 that is opened ended. Body 62 provides opposing end portions 64, 65.

The body 62 is provided with a plurality of helical vanes 66, 67, 68. The body 62 also has a thin walled section 69, the vanes 66, 67, 68 extending radially from the thin walled section 69. Further, the helical vanes 66, 67, 68 are circumferentially spaced apart as shown in FIGS. 12-16.

A helical slot 70 is provided that can be, for example, in between vanes 66 and 68 as shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 16. The slot 70 enables the body 62 to be mounted on a pipeline section 83 by spreading apart mating edges 71, 72 as shown in FIG. 13 and then wrapping the body 12 about the pipe section 83 as shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15.

The body 62 has an inside surface 73 that is sized and shaped to fit the outside surface 84 of pipeline section 83.

In order to assemble body 62 to a pipeline section 83, each vane is provided with openings that are positioned next to thin walled section 69 as shown in FIGS. 12-16. The openings include opening 78 through vane 66, opening 79 through vane 77, and opening 80 through vane 68. A plurality of openings are provided for each of the vanes 66, 67, 68 as shown in FIG. 16. The openings 78, 79 and 80 are longitudinally spaced for each vane 66, 67, 68 as shown in FIG. 16.

In order to assemble the body 62 to a section of pipeline 83, a plurality of bands or straps 74 are encircled through the various openings 78, 79, 80 and secured as shown on FIGS. 14 and 15. Each strap 74 provides a buckle 75 that can be used to secure the strap or band 74 once it is tightened using a commercially available tensioning tool 81. Strap 74, its buckle 75 and tensioning tool 81 are all commercially available.

In FIG. 14, arrow 85 schematically illustrates the insertion of band 74 through an opening 78 of a vane 66. In FIG. 14, the band 74 has already been inserted through opening 79 of vane 67 and opening 80 of vane 68. In FIG. 15, the band or strap 74 has been inserted through each of the openings 78, 79 and 80 and is being tightened using the tensioning tool 81. In FIG. 16, several of the bands 74 have been attached to body 62 at openings 78, 79 and 80 and have been tightened to show the completed position of each band 74 with respect to the body 62. The vortex induced vibration suppression device 10, 61 of the present invention can be used on any diameter pipe.

Parts List

The following is a list of suitable parts and materials for the various elements of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

10 vortex induced vibration suppression device 11 body 12 bore 13 end portion 14 end portion 15 helical vane 16 helical vane 17 helical vane 18 vane section 19 vane section 20 mating surface 21 mating surface 22 inside surface 23 adhesive 24 dispenser 25 technician 26 spreader bar 27 opening 28 opening 29 hinge area 30 wall 31 outer surface 32 pipeline riser section 33 outer surface 34 arrow 35 arrow 36 arrow 37 bolt 38 nut 39 washer 40 bolted connection 41 pipeline lay barge 42 deck 43 pipe joint 44 welding area 45 stinger 46 arrow 47 welded riser 48 water surface 49 ocean 50 seabed 51 marine structure 52 support 53 drilling/production platform 54 spacer 55 end portion 56 end portion 57 concave surface 58 convex surface 59 beveled edge 60 beveled edge 61 vortex induced vibration suppression device 62 body 63 bore 64 end portion 65 end portion 66 helical vane 67 helical vane 68 helical vane 69 thin wall section 70 slot 71 mating surface 72 mating surface 73 inside surface 74 band 75 buckle 76 technician 77 technician 78 opening 79 opening 80 opening 81 tensioning tool 82 outer surface 83 pipeline section 84 outer surface 85 arrow 88 roller

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims. 

1. A vortex induced vibration suppression apparatus comprising; a) an elongated one piece body of flexible polymeric material, the body having a wall surrounding a continuous, open ended bore; b) a plurality of helical vanes on the body wall and extending along the length thereof; c) a longitudinally extending slot that enables the body wall to be pulled apart at first and second longitudinally extending edges; d) a pipe section that carries the body, the pipe section occupying the bore; e) a plurality of transverse openings in the vanes that are positioned at circumferentially spaced positions of the wall; and f) a tensionable strap that can be removably applied to the body for holding the body to the pipe section, wherein the strap follows an annular path that extends through a single opening of each of the vanes.
 2. The vortex induced vibration suppression apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a longitudinal slot that extends through the wall, enabling the body to be separated to afford access to the bore.
 3. The vortex induced vibration suppression of claim 2 wherein the slot extends longitudinally in between two of the vanes.
 4. The induced vibration suppression apparatus of claim 2 wherein the slot is a helically shaped slot.
 5. The vortex induced vibration suppression apparatus of claim 2 wherein there are plurality of said straps that hold the body to the pipe section at spaced apart longitudinal intervals.
 6. The vortex induced vibration suppression apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body is of a polyurethane material.
 7. The vortex induced vibration suppression apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body is between 50 and 95 Shore A durometer.
 8. The vortex induced vibration suppression apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body is between 50 and 75 Shore D durometer.
 9. The vortex induced vibration suppression apparatus of claim 5 wherein each strap is a removable, connectable member.
 10. The vortex induced vibration suppression apparatus of claim 1 wherein the slot tracks a helical path that coincides generally with a path tracked by each vane.
 11. The vortex induced vibration suppression apparatus of claim 10 wherein there is a removable connection that holds the vane sections together at the slot.
 12. A vortex induced vibration suppression apparatus comprising: a) an elongated body of flexible polymeric material, the body having a wall surrounding a continuous, open ended bore; b) a plurality of helical vanes on the body extending along the length thereof; c) a longitudinal slot that extends through the wall, enabling the body to be separated at two provided wall edges to afford access to the bore; d) a plurality of openings through the vanes, said openings being spaced apart longitudinally on each vane and generally aligned transversely in multiples, each of said multiples on a different vane; and c) straps that extend through the openings and hold the body wall edges together on a pipe section.
 13. A method of installing a pipeline having a vortex induced suppression devices thereon, comprising the steps of: a) mounting one or more polymeric vortex induced vibration suppression devices on the pipeline, each device including a generally cylindrically shaped wall with helical vanes thereon surrounding a continuous, open ended bore and a wall slot enabling the wall to be opened to afford access to the bore so that the device can be mounted on the pipeline via the slot; b) making up the pipeline on a pipeline lay barge having a stinger; c) wherein before step “b” each suppression device is attached to the pipeline with straps that each completely encircle the suppression device and that each extend through openings in the vanes; d) lowering the riser and its vortex induced vibration suppression devices to the seabed by passing the riser and vortex induced vibration suppression devices over a stinger part of the barge.
 14. A method of placing a pipeline section in an offshore marine environment, comprising the steps of: a) providing a pipe laying barge that enables several pipe joints to be connected together end to end to form a pipeline, the pipe laying barge having a stinger that supports the pipe when the pipeline assumes a curved shape as it is lowered from the barge toward the seabed; b) welding several joints of pipe together on the barge; c) lowering the pipeline section from the barge to the seabed, wherein the stinger supports the pipeline section as it leaves the barge to enter the water; d) placing one or more polymeric vortex induced vibration suppression devices on the pipeline section before it is lowered to the seabed from the barge, each suppression device having a wall that has a longitudinal slot wall edge at the slot, multiple helical vanes, and multiple openings through the vanes at spaced apart locations; e) securing the suppression devices to the pipeline using tensile fasteners that encircle the suppression device and pass through multiple of the openings; and f) wherein in step “d” the vortex induced vibration suppression device passes over the stinger.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of widening the slot during placement of the device on the pipeline section.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the vortex induced suppression vibration devices are jointed to the pipeline section in step “d” using multiple tensile fasteners for each device.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein the vortex induced vibration device is of a flexible material, and step “d” induces flexing the flexible material to widen the slot.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein the vortex induced vibration device is of a polymeric material, and step “d” includes flexing the polymeric material to widen the slot.
 19. The method of claim 15 wherein the vortex induced vibration device is of a polyurethane material, and step “d” includes flexing the polyurethane material to widen the slot.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein the vortex induced vibration device is jointed to the pipeline section in step “d” with tensioned straps that define said tensile members.
 21. The method of claim 18 wherein the vortex induced vibration device is jointed to the pipeline section in step “d” with tensioned straps that define said tensile members.
 22. The method of claim 19 wherein the vortex induced vibration device is jointed to the pipeline section in step “d” with tensioned straps that define said tensile members.
 23. The method of claim 14 wherein the vortex induced vibration device is joined to the pipeline section in step “d” with tensioned straps that define said tensile members.
 24. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of adding copper nickel particulate to the strake.
 25. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of adding copper nickel particulate to the strake. 